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 James Oglethorpe died this day in 1785 after a life mostly devoted to others.  

In 1722, like his father and brothers he become a Member of Parliament. While serving as an MP, one of his friends was sentenced to debtor's prison; while there his friend contracted smallpox and died.  While in debtor's prison not only could you not work, but you had to provide for your own food and maintenance...obviously a no-win situation.

This apparently inspired Oglethorpe to develop a plan for relief.  He and several colleagues explored the possibility of creating a new colony in America.  They believed that, given the chance, these debtors could be turned into farmers,, merchants and artisans and contribute to the wealth of the British Empire.

Other than economic, there were military considerations which were perhaps more influential in persuading the crown to approve his project.  The Spanish were already in Florida and had an impressive fortification at St. Augustine.

Oglethorpe was one of 21 Trustees whose first duty was to determine which of the poor were sufficiently "worthy" enough to colonize Georgia.  The philosopher John Locke was chosen to draft a constitution for the enterprise.  (Jefferson borrowed much of Locke's writings for the second paragraph of the Declaration.)

In creating this model colony, slavery was forbidden.  The Jewish faith was tolerated as were all Christian religions, except Catholicism. There was a ban on alcohol, and city planning created residential areas and parks. Oglethorpe also created friendly relations with the natives.

Following the War of Jenkin's Ear, Oglethorpe led a number of invasions of Spanish Florida, none of which were successful.  Also the ban on slavery failed as colonists saw other southern areas prosper.  The prohibition of alcohol never stood a chance.

By 1760, Oglethorpe returned to England, married a wealthy widow and by all accounts enjoyed the rest of his lengthy life, dying at the age of 88.

Around the interior of the Capitol Rotunda is a series of paintings (they look like bas relief from the ground) depicting the history of the United States.  Included is one of James Oglethorpe dealing with Mary Musgrave and Chief Tomochichi:




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